Biomechanics: How to Avoid Injury

Learning How to Move Safely: Biomechanics

During physical therapy, patients are taught how to maintain proper posture. Good posture helps protect the spine against unnecessary stress and strain. Back and neck pain are often caused by poor posture. Learning how to lift, reach, carry, stand, sit and get in and out of a car are all practical skills that can help prevent injury and pain.

Helpful Hints for minimizing low back strain:

Be careful with bending, lifting, and twisting. Think of BLT, like the sandwich, as a way to remember.

Another way to remember is to imagine that you have a cup balanced on your head. If your activities would make your imaginary cup fall off, they could be a strain on your lumbar spine.

Lumbar Support

Naturally, our lumbar spine has a curve which makes the small of our back hollow. This curve is referred to as “lordosis.” When we sit in an unsupported fashion, the ligaments and the muscle contraction (muscle tone) which supports our posture can become strained and painful. Often, a lumbar support will help alleviated some low back pain symptoms.

For those patient who have had a spine surgery which includes a lumbar fusion, a brace can be helpful to maintain this curve of the low back and avoid applying strain to the screws which are holding the fused bones.